Saturday, April 30, 2011

Okay, so I admit that it's not warm enough for shorts yet, but I'm indoors! In an empty squash court, to be exact. I've thought about actually playing squash there, or maybe hosting a squash cook-off, but I am neither athletic (unless you count walking around everywhere), nor domestic (occasional cooking must be accompanied by Netflix movie fests for one). So, in the spirit of taking it easy, a friend and I have decided to use that space for badminton and relish every opportunity to utter the word shuttlecock. Engaging in activities that require hilarious language is a sport in itself.

Friday, April 29, 2011

The days are getting (gloriously) longer, so I have no excuse for these nighttime indoor shots. In lieu of a backdrop of showy shrubbery, I give you... sockets and air vents. Laziness or keeping it real? You be the judge.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

You may have noticed that I'm a bit of a color addict, so last season's beige extravaganza has left me thirsty for vivid skirts. The solution? Vintage stores, of course! They carry the most exquisite prints with impossibly small waists (what does this say about the modern girl's diet?). To top it all off, a sweet vintage shop is moving to a less central area, which means everything is now being sold at thrift store prices. Vintage and thrifted - synonymous at last!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Although I love to wear wellies and cardigans day in and day out, I'm craving lighter layers these days: an airy silk blouse, a comfortable pair of sandals, flashing a smile and an ankle. An ankle? You heard me. I got inspired by the latest cinematic version of Jane Eyre, which I enjoyed immensely (the '96 Charlotte Gainsbourg version was also good, but we needed a new one). Michael Fassbender's Mr. Rochester is alluring, albeit a bit too forceful and frightening, and Mia Wasikowska's subtle portrayal of the classic heroine doesn't disappoint. In my humble yet cinephiliac opinion, she's one of the best young actresses today - right up there with the equally subtle Ms. Mulligan.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

As I mentioned a couple of posts ago, I had a relaxing one-night stay in Whistler, BC last Monday and yes, I went a little snap-happy. The Four Seasons there is both exquisite and fancy-free, and will make you feel right at home. If you too would rather hit the hot tub and local restaurants as opposed to the slopes, the off-season will suit you just fine. Affordable prices, no crowds (read: better service), and of course, killer views? Yes, please.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Dear Readers, I just returned from an overnight trip to Whistler where I neither skied, nor hiked. In other words, get ready for a long overdue restaurant review (see dinner ensemble above) and some mountainside photography.

Monday, April 18, 2011

This was one of my weekend outfits for dining in with a friend and finally watching the theater-elusive Never Let Me Go (which I had assumed to be merely a coming-of-age story filled with boarding school ennui). Those of you who have seen it may imagine my surprise. You could even say I got Vanilla Sky-ed (cryogenics? really?!?). Anyway, if you haven't seen it yet, you should - it's beautifully shot, perfectly concise, and best of all, you can get your Carey Mulligan on.

Friday, April 15, 2011

I chose a basic grammatical issue today (cue the virtual eye-rolls) because it's Friday and I don't want to be that teacher who ruins your weekend with heaps of homework. We're taking it easy... I'm wearing jeans, for goodness' sake!My head explodes when I read something like this: "more safe." Most people instinctively know to change that to "safer," but I'd like to address the grammar rules behind this choice. To make a long story short, you can form the comparative and superlative forms by adding -er and-estto short adjectives, and more and the most to long adjectives. SHORT adjectives contain one or two syllables and LONG adjectives contain two or more syllables. Whoa there, Nellie! There's some serious overlapping going on.

Two-syllable adjectives run with the hare and hunt with the hounds, so they're trickier. Many of these are considered long (more thoughtful/careless/famous/modern/charming/pleasant). The exceptions arise when they end in -Y (naughtier), -LE (simpler), -OW (narrower), -ER (cleverer). Cleverer?!? Are you kidding me? No, but you are not crazy in thinking that sounds strange and somewhat unpronounceable (30 Rock best illustrates this in an episode where Jenna's movie is called The Rural Juror and no one can understand what she's saying). Despite these rules and exceptions, there are some adjectives that literally play for both teams. Clever, gentle, simple, handsome, quiet, and friendly are the most common ones. Brits tend to treat these as short adjectives (I dare you to revisit your dog-eared copy of Pride & Prejudice), whereas North Americans find it easier to just add more and the most, pronunciation-wise.

NOTE: If you're new to my blog and this post has piqued your curiosity, you can find more grammatical issues addressed here, here, and here.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

I generally refuse to talk about money in social circles (what is the blogosphere, after all?), but I'm going to make an exception today. This blazer is available for purchase online here for $169.99 US, but you need to peruse the sale rack of your nearest Banana store for a much better deal. In Canadian dollars, this nautical beauty was originally $240 (as opposed to the $198 US), cut down to $49.99, and then slashed another 25% off... I got it for $37.50. It's not just the overall 85% discount that made me purchase it (considering original prices, sales are subjective, aren't they?). It's the fact that a classic striped blazer made of linen and cotton, not to mention beautifully lined, can cost as little as those fun, unlined, trendy blazers at lower-quality stores. Plus, if you live in the US, you may pay even less for yours. Can you say: "Ahoy, matey?" Of course, you always run the risk of contracting sailboat envy and turning a good deal on a jacket into a down payment on a yacht. Don't say I didn't warn you.

I wish I had written this post earlier because now I`m all out of energy... and cat jokes. All I can tell you is that after dozens of photoshoots in this very garden, she was a useful prop (What? Everybody knows all cats are ladies). Not as practical as a greenery veil, but infinitely cuter.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Today's cuts and colors are brought to you by the inimitable Andy Bernard. He wears a dress shirt, I don a shirtdress. He rocks a critter cravate, I tie mine into a belt. And that's how it's done in my house! Honestly, I should be paying NBC royalties by now.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

The following post may contain adult language and subject matter. Reader discretion is advised.

Tired of going to the same bars, ordering the same old drink? (although I doubt one could ever tire of Gin and Tonics). Smack in the middle of Gastown, L'Abattoir is your solution. I'm a sucker for sparkling concoctions, so I went with the most impractical cocktail - aesthetically exquisite, but with a lemon peel that tickled my face. I guess you could say I was doubly amused that night.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Long time, no blog, darlings but I assure you, it wasn't you, it was moi. I mean, it's not that I forgot to get dressed this week, but photographing outfits proved impossible. I also dealt with a stubborn cold that puckered my face into the most disagreeable subject. In other words, it wasn't pretty. But now I'm back and ready to start cookin' some new grammar recipes. Just when you thought the Grammar Police was out of sight... she reared her thick neck (true story) right back in!

Monday, April 4, 2011

We don't get April showers - we get year-round showers. That is why you can become obsessed with owning the perfect trench coat around here, maybe even start a small collection. Mine has only made it to two but I have my eye on several beauties this season. I'm lurking in the windows, waiting for the right time to pounce... on a substantial sale. Ah, the thrill of the chase.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Most days, I choose to see life through J.Crew-colored glasses: vivid, polished, and preppy. That is not to say that I often wear it head-to-toe or spend my evenings reading their catalogs in the tub (okay, maybe just once a week), but if I can throw a playful cashmere sweater over a silk taffeta dress and not look ridiculous... Well, readers, that makes walking to work in the morning that much more enjoyable.